Download Sportsmanship Code of Conduct

Christopher Dock Athletics
Sportsmanship Code of Conduct
and Communication Agreement
As a Christopher Dock Athletic Department, we are fully committed to living out the ideals of sportsmanship while engaging the
Dock athletic experience. Sportsmanship in its simplest terms means following the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.” It means being positive and showing respect for all involved in a Dock sport and sporting event.
Spectator Sportsmanship Standards
When at a Dock athletic event:
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Remember that you are at a contest to support and yell for your team and to enjoy
the skill and competition; not to intimidate or ridicule the other team, its fans, or
the officials.
Show respect for the opposing players, coaches, spectators and support groups.
Treat them as you would want “our own” treated.
Learn the rules of the game, so you can appreciate and understand why certain
game judgments take place.
Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. They are not perfect human beings, and bad calls are a part of many
contests, no matter what level of competition. We ask spectators to respond to bad calls in a manner that is supportive of
our student-athletes to “play on” to the next play. As a whole,
bad calls do not determine the outcome of a contest.
Be a positive role model through your own actions and by speaking your disapproval to spectator behavior that is
unbecoming of CDMHS, and our sportsmanship standards as an athletic department.
Student-Athlete Sportsmanship Standards
When participating on a Dock sport team:
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Accept and understand your commitment to the discipline of your sport, and the
privilege of representing our athletic department and school community through
your sport.
Treat opponents the way you would like to be treated, as a guest or friend. Who better than yourself can understand and
appreciate all the hard work and team effort required of your sport? Respect your opponent, in that their ability qualifies
your enjoyment in winning a contest!
Congratulate your opponent in a sincere manner following either victory or defeat.
Respect the integrity and judgment of contest officials. Bad calls are a part of many contests, no matter what level of
competition. To dwell upon a bad call gives you the wrong reason for why a contest may be lost. Play through calls, both
bad and good, and go on with the game!
Respect the efforts of yourself, teammates, and coaches. Good sportsmanship means picking self and teammates up when
things do not go as planned or hoped for.
Refrain from obscene language and inappropriate actions, even when an opposing player is in the wrong. This expectation
requires you to draw from your character! Your actions will live on longer than the outcome of a contest; play like you wish
to be remembered!
Play hard, play smart and play with good emotional balance so to maintain an ability to compete in a manner respectful of
the game and others. Most sports involve play that is physical in nature; we expect our athletes to play a physical game that
is performed within the spirit of the rules and appropriate competitive play.
Athlete-Coach Relationship
We believe that the athlete, coach, and team are empowered to bring their best performance when effective communication has
occurred with what the team is striving to accomplish, and roles of each participant are understood and agreed upon. When this
level of communication has not happened, we encourage the student-athlete to set up a time to meet with his/her coach.
Steps of Communication and Points of Conversation for Student-Athlete
Step 1: If an athlete has conflict with a coaching decision or concern with team environment, we encourage the student-athlete to
talk with their coach regarding these matters.
Step 2: If the athlete-coach conversation did not provide a satisfactory resolution, we ask the student-athlete to talk with the
athletic director to discuss the situation.
Step 3: If the athlete-athletic director conversation did not provide a satisfactory resolution, we ask parents to contact the coach or
athletic director to address the situation.
Student-Athlete Points of Conversation with Coach or Athletic Director
1. What concerns do you have about your playing role?
2. What is your ideal playing role and ask your coach what you need to improve to get closer to that role?
Communication Coaches Expect From Student-Athletes
1. Student-athletes are expected to be at all team events. In order to maintain our “Sport as Discipline” ideal, we ask that an
absence, other than illness, be an exception. A student-athlete shall make request for absence, well in advance, from practice/game.
2. Student-athletes are expected to report all injuries to their coach, and athletic trainer, shortly after they occur.
Communication Student-Athletes Should Expect from Their Coach
1. Coaching Philosophy
2. Rules and expectations for being a team member, in addition to Dock Player contract.
3. Consequences outlined for breaking team rules.
4. Player role defined.
5. Location, start and end time for all practices.
6. Location, game times, bus departure times for all contests.
Parent-Coach Relationship
Parents as Partners
We believe that each parent is an important partner in the athletic experiences of our student-athletes and teams. Parent’s positive
and considerate support of their student-athlete, teammates, and coach go a long way in creating an environment where growth
and success can be experienced. As coaches, we welcome parents to partner with us as we strive to develop the God-given abilities
of each student-athlete in preparation for successful team experiences.
Parent-Coach Relationship Ideals
Our desire is to establish and cultivate a positive relationship between each parent and coach. Coaches welcome information from
parents that will be helpful in understanding and coaching their student-athlete. Differences will occur as relationships evolve during
the course of a season between athlete and coach, parent and coach, and parent and athlete. Our primary concern is the athletecoach relationship and ask for your parental support in encouraging your son/daughter to use the steps of communication outlined
above when there are differences.
Parent-Coach Meeting – Issues Appropriate to Discuss
We encourage all parents to take liberty in contacting a coach regarding the following items:
1) Concerns related to the treatment of their child; mentally, emotionally or physically.
2) Ways to help their student-athlete improve as a player and team member.
3) Concerns about their child’s behavior, and mental/emotional abilities to handle competitive athletics.
4) Informing the coach of learning disabilities/challenges that may be helpful in the coaching process.
5) Playing time, team strategy, play calling, or why one player is playing more than another, are coaching decisions that coaches
have a professional right to discuss in only a limited way or not at all. Game/Match strategy is very subjective by nature in that there
are multiple strategies a coach could choose in utilizing his/her personnel and path toward success. In other words, with multiple
strategy options, a coach will never please all. With any and all discussions in this area, strive to maintain the dignity and respect for
the coach and his/her role as leader of a sport team/program.
*Note: We ask that parents do not talk to a coach after a game or practice about matters that are emotionally charged and deal with
conflict. Arrange for a meeting time when emotions are more settled.
Communication Parents Should Expect from Your Son/Daughter’s Coach
1) Coaching philosophy
2) Location, start and end times of all practices
3) Location, game times, bus departure times for all contests
4) Team requirements, including information related to costs for team clothing
5) Discipline that result in denial of your son/daughter’ participation
6) Team guidelines, in addition to Dock Player Contract, set by coach
Communication Coaches Expect From Parents
1. Student-athletes are expected to be at all team events. In order to maintain our “Sport as Discipline” ideal, we ask that an
absence, other than illness, be an exception.
2. Specific concern in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectation.
3. Injury or sickness information of son/daughter.
Communication Student-Athletes Should Expect from Their Coach
1. Coaching philosophy
2. Rules and Expectations for being a team member, in addition to Dock Player Contract
3. Consequences outlined for breaking team rules
4. Welcome and connect with student-athlete on a consistent basis
5. Player role outlined
6. Location, start and end time for all practices
7. Location, game times, bus departure times for all contests